Kathrine Frich
The war in Ukraine has revived old memories in Central and Eastern Europe.
Observers say familiar patterns are reappearing, shaped by propaganda and the rejection of outside scrutiny.
As the conflict drags on, accusations against Moscow are increasingly linked to its past.
Crimes denied
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, international organizations, investigative media and UN bodies have documented numerous alleged war crimes.
Russian authorities have repeatedly rejected responsibility, disputing findings or minimizing events.
The approach echoes earlier Soviet practices.
In Poland, the Katyn massacre remains a powerful example, where Moscow initially denied the crime, blamed others, later admitted guilt and then returned to denial, describing accusations as a Western conspiracy.
Analysts say this pattern of denial has become a core element of today’s Kremlin messaging.
Bucha response
The first major test of this strategy came after Russian forces withdrew from areas near Kyiv.
In Bucha, Irpin and Gostomel, hundreds of civilian bodies were discovered following the occupation.
UN investigators cited satellite imagery, witness testimony and surveillance footage, concluding that Russian troops were responsible.
Moscow rejected the findings, calling the killings “staging” and accusing the West of manipulation.
No Russian institutions acknowledged wrongdoing or announced prosecutions, despite identified military units operating in the area.
Shifting blame
A similar narrative followed the missile strike on the Kramatorsk train station in April 2022, where dozens of civilians were killed while preparing to evacuate.
Evidence linked the attack to a Russian Tochka-U missile.
Russian officials denied responsibility, claiming Ukraine attacked its own population or arguing the weapon was no longer in Russian use, despite evidence to the contrary.
In Mariupol, Russia has continued to deny responsibility for the bombing of the Drama Theatre, which was clearly marked as sheltering children.
After occupying the city, authorities restricted access to the site and later rebuilt the structure.
Tracks erased
Investigators have also pointed to the deaths of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka.
Russia accused Ukraine of shelling the site, while refusing international access.
UN and independent experts later questioned Moscow’s version, citing signs of internal explosions.
Critics argue that such denials are designed to block accountability and exhaust international attention.
Sources: UN reports, WP.
